Cardiff City manager Dave Jones took the unusual decision to drop hotshot striker Michael Chopra against Peterborough paving the way for a long awaited re-call for fellow striker Ross McCormack in his favoured attackers role.
Since picking up a hamstring injury in the second game of the season, Ross McCormack has failed to break back into the side and is still looking for his first goal of the season. His benchwarming role is largely down to the goalscoring form of Peter Whittingham on the left, and the importance of record signing Michael Chopra in attack.
Prior to the season, McCormack was at the centre of a transfer row when reports of a private phonecall to Peter Ridsdale were made public. In that call, McCormack stated his concern that he would be sidelined and end up lacking in match fitness and first team opportunities. That is exactly what has transpired and his value and salability will have plummeted from his top scorer status last season.
In every appearance thus far, McCormack has looked busy, determined and committed – with Chopra not firing, he deserves a chance and we are fortunate to be able to call on someone of his calibre. Speaking of his first team hopes, McCormack told the SW Echo:
“It has been a bit frustrating but I`ve been patient on the sidelines and you can`t really say anything when the team is winning, scoring and playing some really good football.”
“It will take three, four, possibly five games to get match fit and hopefully I will be given that chance.”
“If I`m playing tomorrow, I`ve obviously got to play well, and not give the gaffer any excuse to drop me for Chopra or anybody.”
So far, a Chopra and McCormack partnership in attack has not blossomed, due largely to the importance of Jay Bothroyd as the focal point of our attacks. McCormack deserves a run as first choice but will know three games without a goal – and Chopra will be lurking.
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